Pale chandelier orchid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pale chandelier orchid |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Acriopsis
|
| Species: |
emarginata
|
The pale chandelier orchid (Acriopsis emarginata) is a special type of orchid. It is found only in Queensland, Australia. This orchid grows in dense clumps. It is an epiphyte, which means it grows on other plants, like trees, but does not harm them. It has dark green leaves and curved, branching stems. These stems hold many white and cream-colored flowers.
Contents
What Does the Pale Chandelier Orchid Look Like?
The pale chandelier orchid grows in thick clumps. Its roots are thin and white. The main part of the plant is called a pseudobulb. These pseudobulbs are pale green and look a bit like onions. They are about 30–70 mm (1–3 in) long and 30–40 mm (1–2 in) wide.
Each plant has two to four dark green, leathery leaves. These leaves are shaped like narrow eggs. They are about 150–200 mm (6–8 in) long and 20–25 mm (0.8–1 in) wide.
The orchid's flower stems are long and wiry. They can grow to be 200–600 mm (8–20 in) long. These stems have many branches. They hold a lot of flowers that are cream-colored or slightly pink. Each flower is about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) wide.
The flowers have a white, three-lobed part called a labellum. This labellum is shaped like a triangle. Each flower hangs from a thin stalk called a pedicel. This stalk is about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long.
The top part of the flower is a sepal. It is about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. The side sepals are joined together. They form a boat shape that is also about 4–5 mm (0.16–0.20 in) long. The petals are similar in size. The labellum is about 4.5 mm (0.2 in) long and 4 mm (0.2 in) wide. It has three parts, with the middle part having two bumps. This orchid usually blooms from June to November.
How Did This Orchid Get Its Name?
The pale chandelier orchid was officially named Acriopsis emarginata in 2006. It was named by two botanists, David Jones and Mark Clements. They found a sample of this orchid in the Daintree River valley.
The first part of its scientific name, Acriopsis, comes from Ancient Greek words. Akris means "grasshopper" and opsis means "appearance." This name was chosen because the orchid's central part, called the column, looks a bit like a grasshopper.
The second part of its name, emarginata, is a Latin word. It means "notched at the apex." This refers to a small notch found on the labellum of the flower.
This orchid used to be grouped with another species called Acriopsis javanica. However, the Australian plants are stronger. They have bigger pseudobulbs and leaves. Their flower stems also have more branches.
Where Does This Orchid Live?
The pale chandelier orchid is common in tropical Queensland. You can find it from Cape York all the way to the Daintree River. It likes to grow high up in trees. It also grows on palms and Pandanus plants.
Growing Your Own Pale Chandelier Orchid
This orchid is quite easy to grow if you know what it needs. It needs water all year round. It also likes a lot of humidity, which means moist air. It needs to be kept warm, never below 10 °C (50 °F). You can grow it attached to a piece of wood or in a small pot. If you use a pot, make sure the soil mix is coarse, allowing good airflow.
